Why Perfume is an Everyday Essential for Modern Living
- Ana's Vintage Diary
- Sep 14
- 5 min read
I’ll be honest — life can feel a little chaotic some days. The laundry pile is staring at me, my coffee’s gone cold (again), and somehow my water bottle has been empty since 10 a.m. But there’s one tiny ritual that always turns my day around: perfume.
Yes, perfume. And no, I don’t save it for date nights or weddings — I wear it every day. It’s one of my favorite little luxuries, and honestly, I think it should be an everyday thing for everyone.
When I was a kid, I was surrounded by women who always smelled amazing. Perfume, hairspray, hand cream — everything about them felt so feminine and put together.
But we didn’t have that type of luxury. In fact, there was a time in my life when I was placed in a “baby house” shortly after my biological mother had her rights taken away for abandoning me. I remember that sunlit playroom so clearly — I was probably four or five years old — and one of the caregivers brought in empty perfume bottles, old lipsticks, and boxes from hair dye kits.
We would play salon for hours. I’d pretend to spritz myself with the empty bottles and would even try filling them up with water just to feel like I had a little perfume of my own. It was such a small thing, but it made me feel special, like I was stepping into the world of grown-up women who seemed so confident and beautiful.
Maybe that’s why perfume means so much to me now — it’s more than just a fragrance. It’s a piece of a dream I had as a little girl, finally fulfilled.
I could talk about perfume all day, but here are the biggest reasons I make it part of my everyday routine:
It Makes Everyday Moments Feel Special
Whenever I spritz perfume, it feels like I’m stepping into my own little cloud of magic. Suddenly, folding laundry feels cinematic. Making coffee? Paris café vibes. Running errands? I feel like I’m in some romantic European film where something exciting might happen at any second.Perfume doesn’t just make me smell nice — it makes my day feel a little more intentional and beautiful.
It Instantly Makes Me Feel More Put Together
There are days when my hair is messy, I’m wearing leggings that have seen better days, and I’m just not feeling cute. And yet, the second I put on perfume, I feel like I have my life together.
It’s my shortcut to feeling chic. Add a pair of earrings and a bit of lip balm and suddenly I’m ready to take on the world — or at least the grocery store.
It Becomes Part of Who I Am
I love the idea that my perfume is part of my presence. People start to remember you by how you smell — your scent becomes your thing.
I’ve had moments where someone caught a whiff of vanilla or rose somewhere and said, “This smells like you.” I love that! It feels like leaving a tiny, invisible signature wherever I go.
It Adds a Bit of Romance to My Day
Perfume doesn’t need to wait for a special occasion. I wear it while I’m making pancakes, reading a book, or even cleaning the kitchen.
Life can get so busy and practical — perfume is my way of slowing down and reminding myself that it’s okay to enjoy something purely for the sake of beauty.
Because Life Doesn’t Always Smell Pretty
Let’s be honest, life can smell… less than glamorous. Wet dog, gym shoes, last night’s garlic pasta — you get it. Perfume is my little reset button.
Plus, scents really do change my mood. Citrus perks me up, florals make me feel soft and romantic, woods make me feel grounded. It’s basically aromatherapy, but prettier.
Perfume isn’t just “extra” — it’s my everyday ritual. It’s confidence in a bottle, a small way to feel lovely even on the most ordinary Tuesday.
And maybe, for me, it’s also a quiet way to honor that little girl in the sunlit playroom — the one who dreamed of one day having her very own bottle of perfume.
So tomorrow morning, before you run out the door, try it. Put on your favorite scent, take a deep breath, and notice how it shifts the whole vibe of your day. You deserve that little bit of magic — even if the only person who notices is you.
Now I want to know — what’s your signature scent, or what memory do you have tied to perfume?
I'd love to share some of my favorite fragrances with you :
This one smell sweet, just like candy, not as sweet as Ariana's Grande perfumes, but if you like her fragrances, you'll love this one. I wear it everyday for work and I've been stopped by a few people asking if it's me that smells good. It's a great conversation starter. Fun fact : my husband and I designed this one.
Fast forward a few years, and I still remember the first time I got a perfume that felt truly special. It was Marc Jacobs Daisy (Eau So Sweet), and I received it as a Christmas gift from my husband, Justin.
A few weeks before the holiday, we went shopping together and stopped by Sephora. I tried a few perfumes, fell in love with one, but realized it was out of my budget — so I told Justin I’d wait. And we did.
When I opened that perfume on Christmas morning (I think it was 2021), it felt like such a thoughtful, romantic gift. For a long time, I only wore it on special occasions — birthdays, date nights, holidays — because I didn’t want to “waste” it.
But over time, I realized something: life is a special occasion. Why save your favorite things for a future moment when today is just as worthy? So now, I wear that perfume whenever I want — and I never feel guilty about it.
I also got this fragrance for Christmas from my mother-in-law. Ralph feels fresh, happy, and effortless. It’s the kind of scent you reach for when you want to smell good without overthinking it. Perfect for:
Busy mornings when you need a quick confidence boost
A casual lunch date or a coffee run
Days when you want to feel polished but not overdone
It’s youthful, but in a way that feels timeless — like sunshine, crisp air, and a good mood in a bottle.
Currently I'm obsessing over perfumes my husband creates and I hope someday I'll share them with you. So until next time...
Ana
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